Five Levels of Framing - Commended Level
(middle of the five specifications)
Objective	To visually enhance artwork and offer a moderate level of protection from airborne pollution and acid damage for around five years in normal conditions.
Suitable for	Replaceable artwork of limited commercial and/or moderate sentimental value and where visual appearance is important. Preferably processes should be reversible.
Moulding	No significant blemishes. Care must be taken to match the pieces. The moulding should have a rebate that is sufficiently deep to comfortably hold the sandwich.
Mitres	Accurately cut, glued and pinned tightly. Corners to be touched-up so no unfinished moulding is visible.
Windowmount	A windowmount or slip should normally be used to visually enhance the artwork and distance it from the glazing. If close framing is required, there should be a spacer between the artwork and the glazing. The corners of the windowmount must be cleanly cut; the mountboard must be free from blemishes; there must be clearance of 1mm-3mm inside the rebate (clearance varies depending on frame size). Standard-quality mountboard (or better) at least 1200 micron thick and conforming to the Guild standard should be used. Slip moulding must be accurately cut. Multiple mounts or deep spacers must be used to frame works with migrant or delicate pigments, such as pastel drawings, or artwork with a cockled surface.
Undermount	There should be a barrier layer between the artwork and the back board; preferably this should be made from Standard-quality mountboard (or better) at least 1200 micron thick but, at this level, 500 micron thickness may be used for lightweight artwork.The undermount should be the same size as the windowmount and ideally should be hinged to it along the longer side. Other methods of joining the two are acceptable providing no adhesive comes into contact with the artwork.
Attaching artwork	The artwork should be hinged to the undermount with T-hinges on the top edge preferably using gummed tape with a water-soluble adhesive, though self-adhesive water-reversible white paper tape may be used, or a similarly reversible process, such as corner pockets. It is not acceptable to make hinges from tape with a high acid content. Hinges should be weaker than, or the same paper weight as the artwork- never heavier. Hinges should be attached to the back of the artwork, not the front, and should overlap onto the artwork the minimum amount necessary to give proper support. Note: for the majority of art on paper 5 mm should be sufficient. At this level drymounting onto mountboard is acceptable providing customers understand it is irreversible. Artwork must be properly centred and free from blemishes caused by framing.
Glazing	Float glass or better, free from obvious blemishes and of appropriate thickness for the frame size. Must be cut to allow sufficient clearance inside the rebate of the frame. It is not acceptable for the glazing to touch the artwork For large items and for items to be hung in areas accessible to the public,safety should be considered, eg laminated or acrylic sheet may be advisable.
Back board	Back board needs to be strong, rigid and flat, and to protect the artwork from damage. Must be cut to allow sufficient clearance inside the rebate.
Securing the frame	The frame must be secured firmly with framers' points, tacks or similar. Flexible tabs are not acceptable.
Hanging	Hanging fittings must be sufficiently strong to support the frame. D-rings rivetted into the backboard should only be used on lightweight items.
Finish	Dust and dirt should be removed and the glass should be cleaned and polished without smears.The back should be sealed, preferably with gummed tape. At this level good quality self-adhesive framing tape may be used but it is important to ensure good adhesion and longevity. Masking tape and parcel tape are not acceptable. Note: Self-adhesive tapes dry out and can fail. Pads or buffers should be applied to the two lower corners. A label giving the date and the framer's name should be adhered to the back. Old labels should be retained if possible and attached to the back.
Notes on framing fabric, canvas and objects Fabric should be squared if necessary. It is not acceptable for fabric to be stapled or to use any other process which may damage the fabric. It should be laced or similarly reversible methods should be used. Washable fabric art may be stuck at the edges with a water-reversible adhesive. Drymounting may be used on fabric but is not considered satisfactory for stitching which does not lie completely flat on the back. Some attempt should be made to conceal unsightly problems, such as knots or travelling stitches. Canvas must not sag/bow or tear/distort. Stretchers must be square and sufficiently strong to stand the test of time. Corner wedges must be used. The rebate should be around 3 to 6 mm larger than the stretcher bars. Objects must not be held in place with adhesive, though it is acceptable for small blobs of silicon sealer to come into contact with the objects.
Specification levels - Amended April 2003